Sarah Murphy MS, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
In February, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published the results of its market study on infant formula. This focused on a lack of effective competition in the infant formula market and the resulting negative impacts on consumer choice, affordability and access to clear, impartial information for parents. Its final report included 11 recommendations for the four UK governments to consider.
The UK Government has today published a four nations response to the CMA’s recommendations. This is the product of collaborative working between all four UK nations to consider the measures which are – and will be – the most effective and most appropriate to address the issues the CMA has identified in the infant formula market.
The Welsh Government aims to support families to provide the best start for their children, whether they choose to breastfeed or formula feed. We know that breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure optimal child health and development, which also has proven benefits for mothers. However, for those who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, infant formula is an essential product, and it is therefore vital for families to have access to accurate, evidence-based information about the options available to them so they can make an informed choice about what is best for them and their child.
To complement the measures already in place to support families, and to address the issues the CMA has identified in its market report, our collective response today sets out a commitment to take forward a package of non-legislative measures across the four UK nations. These focus on supporting parents to make better informed infant feeding decisions via more comprehensive and accessible information, including in healthcare settings; reinforcing existing enforcement processes and working with retailers to better enable product comparison and stimulate competition between brands.
The Welsh Government is committed to delivering these measures. We will closely monitor and evaluate the impact of these actions and consider where further action may be needed in the future to secure better outcomes for all children and their families.